Fresh Mozzarella, Cherry Tomato, and Basil Pizzettas

By Marge Perry & David Bonom
These beautiful little baby pizzas are nearly as charming to look at as they are pleasurable to eat.
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Course: Appetizer
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INGREDIENTS

  • active dry yeast
  • flour
  • Fresh basil
  • fresh mozzarella
  • grape tomatoes
  • grated Romano cheese
  • olive oil
  • Salt
  • sliced fresh basil
  • sugar
  • warm water

DIRECTIONS

  1. Combine the water, yeast, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon of the salt in a small bowl and let stand until slightly foamy, about 5 minutes. Place flour in a bowl and pour in yeast mixture. Slowly stir the mixture to form a very soft dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place the dough in a large oiled bowl, turning to coat it with the oil. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°F) for 1 hour or until doubled in size. Deflate the dough by pressing down on it and divide into 6 equal pieces and shape each into a ball.
  2. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  3. Working with one ball of dough at a time, roll into a 6-inch circle. Place 3 of the unbaked pizzetta crusts on each of 2 large nonstick baking sheets. Brush the crusts with 2 tablespoons of the oil and top with 4 mozzarella slices and 9 tomato halves, placed cut side up. Sprinkle evenly with the Romano cheese and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil.
  4. Bake 14-15 minutes, rotating pans at least once, until the edges of the crust are golden and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven. Set a whole basil leaf in the center of each then sprinkle with the sliced basil. Wait 3 minutes then cut each into 4 or 6 wedges to serve.